What is the correct answer to: A Louisiana residential purchase agreement must be:

The correct answer is In writing to be enforceable for immovable property transfers. Option B is correct because Louisiana Civil Code Art. 1839 requires that a transfer of immovable property must be made by authentic act or by act under private signature. Additionally, an agreement to transfer immovable property must be in writing to be enforceable. This writing requirement ensures clarity, prevents fraud, and creates a record for public registry purposes. A verbal agreement to buy or sell real estate in Louisiana is unenforceable.

What background knowledge is needed for this Contracts question?

Louisiana Civil Code Art. 1839 states: 'A transfer of immovable property must be made by authentic act or by act under private signature.' An 'authentic act' is one executed before a notary public and two witnesses (e.g., the act of sale/deed). An 'act under private signature' is a written document signed by the parties (e.g., a purchase agreement). This writing requirement serves multiple purposes: it prevents fraud, creates clarity about terms, and supports the public records system. Louisiana's conveyance records (maintained by each parish clerk of court) depend on written instruments to establish a chain of title. The requirement is analogous to the Statute of Frauds found in common-law states, though Louisiana's basis is the Civil Code rather than a separate statute.

What is a good way to remember the answer to this Contracts question?

Think of the writing requirement as a 'paper trail to the parish.' Just as Louisiana's conveyance records require written deeds to track property ownership, the purchase agreement must also be in writing — you can't record what was never written down. When asked about the validity or enforceability of a Louisiana real estate contract, ask yourself: 'Is there a paper trail?' If the agreement is verbal, it's unenforceable for immovable property. The answer will always point to the written requirement.

What exam tip applies to this Contracts question?

Any answer suggesting verbal agreements are valid for Louisiana real estate is wrong. The writing requirement is absolute for immovable property. Also watch for answers that add unnecessary steps like court filing or LREC approval — neither is required for a purchase agreement to be enforceable.

How does this Contracts concept apply in real world practice?

A buyer and seller in Baton Rouge shake hands and verbally agree on a $350,000 sale price for a home. The seller later receives a higher offer and refuses to sell to the original buyer. The original buyer cannot enforce the verbal agreement in court because Louisiana Civil Code Art. 1839 requires the agreement to be in writing. Had they signed a written purchase agreement, the buyer could seek specific performance or damages.

ContractsStatute_of_fraudsEASY

A Louisiana residential purchase agreement must be:

Correct Answer

B) In writing to be enforceable for immovable property transfers

Louisiana Civil Code requires that agreements to transfer immovable property be in writing. This is analogous to the Statute of Frauds in common-law states.

Answer Options

Verbal to be valid

In writing to be enforceable for immovable property transfers

Filed with the court

Approved by LREC

Why This Is the Correct Answer

Why the Other Options Are Wrong

Deep Analysis of This Contracts Question

Background Knowledge for Contracts

Real World Application in Contracts

Common Mistakes to Avoid on Contracts Questions

Related Concepts

Purchase Agreement / Sales Contract

A purchase agreement is a legally binding contract between a buyer and seller that outlines the terms and conditions for the sale of real property. It is also commonly called a sales contract, purchase and sale agreement, or earnest money agreement.

Specific Performance

Specific performance is a court-ordered remedy that compels the breaching party to fulfill their obligations under the contract rather than simply paying monetary damages. It is an equitable remedy used when monetary damages would be inadequate.

Statute of Frauds

The Statute of Frauds is a legal requirement that certain types of contracts must be in writing and signed to be enforceable. In real estate, all contracts for the sale of land or interests in land must be in writing.

Was this explanation helpful?

People Also Study

Buyer Representation Agreement

8% of exam

Property Ownership

10% of exam

Land Use Controls and Regulations

8% of exam

Valuation and Market Analysis

10% of exam

Real Estate Exam Practice Questions by Topic (2026): Free Sets for Contracts, Agency, Financing

Get topic-based real estate exam practice sets and a simple sequence to move from learning to timed mocks.

Real Estate Exam Topics (2026): High-Yield Areas + Common Traps (Contracts, Agency, Financing, Fair Housing)

Learn the highest-frequency real estate exam topics and the traps that cause most wrong answers—plus how to study them.

Real Estate Exam Contracts: The Only Guide You Need (2026) + Practice Questions

Learn the contract rules the exam loves, common trick wording, and how to practice contract questions efficiently.

Previous Question

A liquidated damages clause in a real estate contract refers to:

Next Question

A Louisiana seller who knowingly conceals a redhibitory defect may be liable for:

Contracts Questions

A Louisiana residential purchase agreement must be:

Why This Is the Correct Answer

Why the Other Options Are Wrong

Deep Analysis of This Contracts Question

Background Knowledge for Contracts

Real World Application in Contracts

Common Mistakes to Avoid on Contracts Questions

Related Topics & Key Terms

Related Concepts

More Contracts Questions

People Also Study

Related Articles

Practice More Questions